WINNINGTON Park continue to occupy a promotion place in Division Two following a derby draw with Barnton at the Rec.

Their advantage over Haslington, in third, is worth eight points with three matches left.

Set a target of 195 to win, they finished on 123-4.

Skipper Alec Butcher (37) shared in a 64-run partnership with Ben Coulbeck (38) for the second wicket to frustrate the visitors, before Jonny Wales (25no) hit five boundaries.

Adam Garrod, skipper Simon Hancock, Neil Langham and Aidan Malley claimed a wicket each for Barnton.

Earlier, they recovered from the loss of openers Paul Coot (19) and Cory Devenny (17) when Rick Farnworth (30) and Garrod (40) added 67 for the third wicket.

Jordan Cobley (43no off 33 balls) accelerated the score to 194-5 in tandem first with Ben Wingfield – adding 38 runs in five overs – and then Jack Whalley (24no).

Together they put on a further 39.

Sam Barnes (4-73) was the only bowler to enjoy success for Park.

Kingsley had reason to feel regretful after suffering a two-wicket defeat at home to Stockport Trinity.

The Crofters appeared on course for a hefty total, only for a late-order collapse to leave them all out for 156.

They assumed control again when Trinity tumbled to 60-6 after tea, only to rally with aggressive hitting to reach their target at 157-8.

Oakmere shared the spoils with back-markers Bunbury, who they could not bowl out at Overdale Lane.

Chasing 148 to win, the visitors closed short on 117-8 after a heroic effort from Nick Guest (5-33).

The home team had been dismissed for 147 after being put in, with Harrison Jones (39), Craig Phelan (29) and Dan Wood (28) each making a contribution. 

James Thompson returned figures of 6-39 for the visitors.

Oakmere occupy sixth place in the table, 27 points adrift of a promotion position.

Winsford, whose relegation from Division Three has been confirmed, drew with Alderley Park at Knights Grange.

The visitors, invited to bat, made 201-8 with James Tierney (5-56) and Ben Crellin (2-35) the best of six bowlers used by the hosts.

Afterwards, Winsford’s innings closed on 138-6 after 36 overs.

Barry Crellin (53no) contributed a half-century, after son Ben had hit 23 at the top of the order.

Results

TACS Partnership Cheshire League
Division Two, Saturday:
Chelford 147-4 Woodford 144; Haslington 259-4 dec Ashley 164-8; Kingsley 156 Stockport Trinity 157-8; Lymm 114-8 Chester CO 113; Oakmere 147 Bunbury 117-8; Winnington Park 123-4 Barnton 194-5 dec. 

Division Three: CH Ladybridge 64 Over Peover 136; Sandbach 95 Langley 99-5; Wilmslow 166-9 dec Port Sunlight 160; Wilmslow Wayfarers 81-4 Aston 80; Winsford 138-6 Alderley Park 201-8 dec; Wirral 118 Cholmondeley121-3.